Federal agents cite 15 Gulf of Mexico charter fishing boat companies with breaking laws

Charter boats in Gulf accused of breaking laws

NEW ORLEANS — Federal agents have cited 15 charter boat companies that take anglers out into the Gulf of Mexico for a variety of violations, such as working without permits, fishing out of season and catching undersized fish.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Friday said it sent uncover agents on chartered trips across the Gulf and documented multiple violations.

Agency officials say charter boat companies were found operating in violation of state, Coast Guard and fishery laws.

Hal Robbins, a special agent in charge of the NOAA division in St. Petersburg, Fla., said the crackdown protects “law-abiding charter operations from unfair competition.”